Julian Sayin has earned the starting quarterback job, seen here in last April’s spring game at Ohio Stadium. (Press Pros Feature Magazine)
Ohio State’s new starting quarterback wins the job with consistent execution of the things head coach Ryan Day wants to see from the leader of his offense.
Columbus, OH – Ryan Day likes to answer questions about players with lists. On Monday, he recited a checklist of traits necessary to be Ohio State’s starting quarterback. If any college football coach knows what belongs on the list, Day is the man for the job.
Before Day talked in lists or any questions were asked, he made the long-expected announcement as mundanely as possible: “Julian Sayin will be the starting quarterback against Texas.”
Auditions are over. There are no soft openings. To beat No. 1 Texas at high noon in Ohio Stadium on August 30, Sayin must perform in a limelight he has dreamed of,
The Minster Bank is proud to sponsor the best in area sports coverage on Press Pros Magazine.
but never experienced.
Veteran columnist Jeff Gilbert writes Ohio State football and basketball and OHSAA sports for Press Pros Magazine.com.
Why is Sayin the man for the job? Let’s consult Day’s checklist: consistency, smarts, poise, leadership, accuracy, confidence, runs the offense, plus many synonyms. But one trait, one the others feed, stood out to Day.
“Julian separated himself really over the last week with his consistent play,” Day said.
But everyone wanted to know more about why the 6-foot-1 Sayin, who has four years of eligibility, beat out 6-3 Lincoln Kienholz in what Day called a close competition.
Day answered with more things on his list: “Good composure, can see it, has good timing, and has really built command. … Get us in the right play, make good decisions, throw it away when we need to, and obviously take care of the football. … You see the ball come out of his hand quickly. … He can fit the ball into tight spaces, he’s got a good feel for the pocket.”
Day has watched the competition since the first day of spring practice. He and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline and quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler have made copious notes, watched hours of practice video and conferred often. Day, the final decision maker, said he began to see separation a week ago.
The Precision Strip Company, in Minster and Troy, proudly sponsors the best high school sports coverage on Press Pros.
“I started to see some throws, anticipation,” he began. “There was a couple reps where the rush was getting to him and … [Day snapped his fingers for emphasis] … in those moments you have to make quick decisions.”
But not just quick decisions.
“If you just throw it to the other team, not good,” Day said. “If you either throw it away or find a way to put it in a spot, even if it’s a checkdown, I saw some of those things going on.”
A transfer from Alabama, Julian Sayin has the confidence of coach and team that he’s filled “a gap”.
And that’s when Day decided the Buckeyes can win this season with Sayin leading the offense.
Day, however, did not dismiss Kienholz’s ability to lead the team. Day is fond of saying it takes more depth than ever before if a team is to overcome adversity and make a deep playoff run.
“We’ll need both quarterbacks,” he said.
Injuries, slumps and special packages – something that could suit Kienholz as a runner and the more athletic of the two – could all figure into an equation of Sayin + Kienholz = a big win.
“He knows in his heart he’s going to play this year, and so he’s going to prepare to play in the first game,” Day said of Kienholz. “The team knows that we’re going to need him, and he knows.”
What they all know is the first live action this season will be against Texas. Day has talked about it often in a way that resembles the buildup to the Michigan game. Game day is when Day and all observers will learn how ready Sayin is. Practice only reveals so much.
“That’s why we practice so hard is to get an idea of that,” Day said. “The offensive line’s got to help him, the receivers got to help him. The good news is he’s got a great supporting cast. All he needs to do is do what he’s been doing. You just need to be you.”
Day wouldn’t reveal much of what he said to Sayin at Monday morning’s meeting when he gave him the good news. But it’s likely he said something like what he said Monday will be his message to Sayin this week.
“When you get to the game, let it rip, go play with confidence,” Day said.
Kienholz is the clear No. 2 and true freshman Tavien St. Clair from Bellefontaine is the No. 3.
“He has all the traits, he has the tools,” Day said of St. Clair. “He can absolutely be the quarterback of our future, but he’s got a gap he’s got to cover.”
A gap that Sayin, according to his head coach, has covered and is ready to fill.
Wilson Health proudly sponsors your favorite area sports on Press Pros Magazine.com.